Editorial: Moran's moronic remarks could prompt career switch

Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2003

Now comes a Democratic member of Congress to say something stupid and bigoted.

Let us recall when U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., proclaimed the praises of former Sen. Strom Thurmond's racist campaign for president in 1948. Lott stepped down from his post as Senate majority leader.

Bigotry, though, is a bipartisan disorder. U.S. Rep. James Moran, D-Va., is the latest example of stupidity in action. Moran has said that President Bush's apparent push toward war with Iraq is being driven by the American Jewish community. "If it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq, we would not be doing it ," he said. "The leaders of the Jewish community are influential enough that they could change the direction of where this is going, and I think they should."

With his ridiculous comments, Moran has fueled the fire of anti-Semitism, suggesting that Jewish people have undue influence over American public policy. This is the stuff of hate-mongers.

Moran did do something that Lott had trouble doing: He apologized profusely and repeatedly. Lott's apologies came in increments, and only after the storm of criticism mounted to a deafening roar. Moran's mea culpa is different. That does not, however, excuse his remarks.

As with Lott, who will decide in 2006 whether to run for another term, the decision of whether Moran should stay in office must remain with his constituents. All that's left for Moran is to decide whether to face the voters in 2004.